Thoughts on Design

It's interesting when you're forced to focus more clearly on something you ponder all the time. In my case it's design and right now it's more important to my life than ever. I recently underwent spinal fusion surgery (it went well) and have to wear a body brace for the next six months or so. Believe me, when you're restricted like this, design suddenly becomes top of mind.

Simple case in point: Since I cannot bend forward I am discovering just how low bathroom vanities are and how far away the faucet is from the front edge. It makes washing my hands very difficult. I manage, but it is difficult and I can only imagine how tough it is from someone who is not in good health. My solution is to either use the kitchen sink (higher and longer faucet that I can reach more easily) or plant my feet a little more than shoulder width apart and squat with my knees pointing out (think Sumo wrestler squat). Even with a handicapped sink this would be difficult for someone with this kind of brace (TLSO for those of you keeping score).

Another simple act that is almost impossible is putting on my socks. They gave me a nifty device at the hospital that is intended to help slip socks on over the foot. It works relatively well, but has broken on me twice. I don't have big feet or particularly tight socks, so again I can only imagine how frustrating this is for other people, A few simple reinforcements and the device should work for as long as needed.

There are many other things that I am now more conscious of their design that ever before, but these are just a couple of examples of how a single change in your life can have a profound effect on your lifestyle. If you are designing products, systems or processes, try to think about how people are intended to use them and what restrictions they may be under. Admittedly my case right now is a bit extreme, but with a little more attention to design details, even mundane things could be made that much more useful for all of us.